McLaren MP4-12C Spider Debut - Web Exclusive

Pebble Beach Hosts the Global Unveil of Drop Top 12C

The McLaren 12C has been met with plenty of criticism since its debut in 2010. This past weekend during Monterey Week, McLaren dropped the covers on its 12C Spider to a more than enthusiastic crowd inside the Gooding & Co. auction tent.

The 12C Spider produces 616hp while still maintaining the coupe carbon fiber monocoque chassis, only adding 88 lbs to the car as a result of the new mechanics used to retract the removable hard top (RHT) roof.

Adding to the unique experience of the car, the RHT can be retracted even while the car is moving at 20mph. When the top is raised, the rear window can be lowered to allow more engine noise to fill the cabin. Also, with the roof raised, the tonneau storage compartment can host a set of bespoke McLaren luggage (soft bags), which comes standard. The 12C Spider also features a passive Roll Over Protection System to maximize occupant safety. Each buttress contains a steel structure designed to absorb impact energy and protect both driver and passenger.

Sure McLaren Orange is the brightest color in their paint catalog, but this yellow screamed at the crowd and everyone enjoyed it. While the company isn't know for flamboyant paint jobs we were able to find out why this car had to be yellow. Speaking with brand representatives while attending the unveil, we discovered that the yellow basecoat was a modern adaptation from Ayrton Senna's racing helmet with green metallic flakes added to represent the colors of Brazil, where Senna was from. A fitting tribute to a racer that gave everything to the sport and McLaren.